How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in West Virginia?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all West Virginia residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the state's vehicle registration system and provides registration services through regional offices and authorized partners throughout the state.
West Virginia Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
West Virginia vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting West Virginia minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification: Registration renewal notice, West Virginia license plate number, or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Current driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Safety and Emissions Inspection Certificate: Annual inspection required for all registered vehicles
- Property Tax Receipt: Verification that personal property taxes have been paid or are not applicable
Safety and Emissions Inspection Requirements
West Virginia requires all registered motor vehicles to undergo an annual combined safety and emissions inspection performed at an authorized inspection station. The West Virginia State Police oversees the inspection program.
Annual Inspection Requirements:
- All cars, trucks, motorcycles and trailers must undergo a technical inspection every 2 years.
- Inspections must be performed by a West Virginia State Police-approved inspection station
- Inspections verify proper operation of brakes, lights, steering, tires, horn, mirrors, windshield wipers, exhaust system, emissions controls, and other safety equipment
- Official inspection sticker must be displayed on vehicle windshield or designated location
- Vehicles may be inspected up to 90 days before the current inspection expires
Inspection Fees:
The maximum fee for a West Virginia combined safety and emissions inspection is $16.50 for most passenger vehicles. Individual inspection stations may charge less than the maximum fee. Re-inspections for failed items may incur additional charges.
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Early Renewal: Begin renewal process up to 90 days before expiration
- Grace Period: West Virginia provides a 30-day grace period after registration expiration
- Late Renewal: Operating a vehicle more than 30 days after registration expiration may result in citation and late fees
Personal Property Tax Requirements
West Virginia counties assess personal property tax on vehicles. Before renewing registration, vehicle owners must verify that personal property taxes are paid in full or obtain documentation that taxes are not due.
Contact your local county assessor office for personal property tax information and payment status. The DMV may require proof of tax payment or exemption before processing registration renewal.
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in West Virginia in 2025
2025 West Virginia Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees effective for 2025:
| Vehicle Type | Weight/Age Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Vehicles (Class A) | Current year and 2 previous years | $51.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles (Class A) | 3-6 years old | $51.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles (Class A) | 7-10 years old | $38.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles (Class A) | 11-15 years old | $30.50 |
| Passenger Vehicles (Class A) | 16 years and older | $25.50 |
| Motorcycles | All ages | $15.00 |
| Mopeds | All ages | $7.50 |
| Trailers | Up to 4,000 lbs. | $10.00 |
| Trailers | Over 4,000 lbs. | $25.50 |
Vehicle age is calculated from the current calendar year minus the model year
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
Light trucks and commercial vehicles pay registration fees based on gross vehicle weight:
| Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Class B (4,500 lbs. or less) | $51.50 |
| Class C (4,501 - 8,000 lbs.) | $54.00 |
| Class D (8,001 - 10,000 lbs.) | $60.50 |
| Class E (10,001 - 14,000 lbs.) | $74.00 |
| Class F (14,001 - 16,000 lbs.) | $90.00 |
| Class G (16,001 - 20,000 lbs.) | $107.00 |
| Class H (20,001 - 24,000 lbs.) | $124.00 |
| Class I (24,001 - 30,000 lbs.) | $153.00 |
Heavy Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
Commercial vehicles exceeding 30,000 pounds gross weight pay the following registration fees:
| Weight Classification | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Class J (30,001 - 38,000 lbs.) | $182.00 |
| Class K (38,001 - 42,000 lbs.) | $211.00 |
| Class L (42,001 - 54,999 lbs.) | $269.00 |
| Class M (55,000 - 59,999 lbs.) | $327.00 |
| Class N (60,000 - 64,999 lbs.) | $385.00 |
| Class O (65,000 - 69,999 lbs.) | $443.00 |
| Class P (70,000 - 73,280 lbs.) | $501.00 |
Additional Mandatory Fees
Registration renewal includes the following state-mandated fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title Fee | $15.00 | New registrations and ownership transfers only |
| Certificate of Title Fee | $15.00 | Duplicate or replacement title |
| License Plate Fee | $10.00 | New plates or replacement plates |
| Registration Processing Fee | $3.00 | All registration transactions |
| Litter Control Fee | $5.00 | All registrations |
| Infrastructure Fee | $10.00 | All registrations |
| Alternative Fuel Decal Fee | $5.00 | Alternative fuel vehicles only |
Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fees
West Virginia imposes an additional annual registration fee for electric vehicles to offset reduced fuel tax revenue:
| Vehicle Type | Additional Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles (EV) | $200.00 | Battery electric vehicles only |
| Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) | $100.00 | Vehicles with electric and combustion engines |
Electric and alternative fuel vehicle fees are in addition to standard registration fees based on age classification
Special License Plate Fees
West Virginia offers various special license plates with additional fees:
| Plate Type | Additional Annual Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personalized Plates | $30.00 | Custom letter/number combinations |
| Collegiate Plates | $25.00 | Supports West Virginia colleges and universities |
| Organization Plates | $15.00 - $25.00 | Supports designated charitable organizations |
| Military Honor Plates | $5.00 | Available to qualified veterans and service members |
| Antique Vehicle Plates | $15.00 | Vehicles model year 1969 or older |
| Classic Motor Vehicle Plates | $15.00 | Vehicles 25 years old or older |
| Disabled Person Plates | No additional fee | Requires medical certification |
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in West Virginia
Online Renewal Platforms
The West Virginia DMV online portal provides access to vehicle registration renewal services for eligible West Virginia vehicle registrations. Online services integrate with the state's inspection database and insurance verification system.
Eligibility for Online Renewal:
- Current West Virginia vehicle registration on file
- No changes to vehicle ownership, address, or lienholder information
- Current inspection certificate on file (valid within 24 months)
- Current insurance coverage meeting West Virginia requirements
- Personal property taxes paid or verification obtained
- No outstanding citations or holds on registration
- Registration not expired for more than 30 days
- Vehicle not subject to special registration requirements
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Confirm current safety and emissions inspection is on file and valid
- Verify all personal property taxes are paid to county assessor
- Ensure current insurance coverage is active
- Confirm no outstanding parking tickets or registration holds
- Verify mailing address is current and accurate
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- West Virginia license plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current insurance policy information (company name and policy number)
- Personal property tax receipt or confirmation number (if applicable)
- Payment method (credit card or debit card)
- Email address for electronic confirmation
- Last four digits of Social Security Number (for verification)
Step 3: Complete Application
- Access the West Virginia DMV online services portal
- Select "Renew Vehicle Registration" option
- Enter vehicle license plate number or VIN
- Provide owner identification information for verification
- Verify vehicle details and registration information displayed
- Confirm current inspection status
- Verify insurance coverage information
- Provide personal property tax payment confirmation
- Review all applicable fees and charges
- Provide payment information and authorize transaction
- Verify email address for confirmation receipt
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
- Print or save confirmation receipt for your records
- Confirmation serves as temporary registration proof for 30 days
- New registration card will be mailed to the address on file within 10-14 business days
- Registration decal will be mailed separately within 10-14 business days
- Electronic confirmation email provides registration details and effective dates
- Temporary confirmation should be carried in vehicle until new documents arrive
Alternative Renewal Method
In-Person Renewal at DMV Regional Offices
Visit any West Virginia DMV regional office with the following documentation:
- Registration renewal notice (if available)
- Government-issued photo identification (West Virginia driver's license or state ID card)
- Current proof of insurance or insurance policy information
- Current inspection certificate (if not already on file)
- Personal property tax receipt or clearance certificate from county assessor
- Payment for renewal fees (cash, check, credit card, or debit card accepted at most locations)
Contact Information
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 558-3900 or 1-800-642-9066 (in-state)
Official Website: West Virginia DMV
Vehicle Inspection Information
West Virginia State Police - Inspection Program
725 Jefferson Road, South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone: (304) 746-2100
Official Website: West Virginia State Police
Personal Property Tax Information
West Virginia State Tax Department - Property Tax Division
1001 Lee Street East, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-3333 or 1-800-982-8297
Official Website: WV Tax Department
